Guardiola wants to sign Guehi as a free agent

Pep Guardiola rarely enters transfer battles without a clear intention to win them. More often than not, a transfer idea simply pops into his head, and all he has to do is communicate it — the club’s owners are there to make it happen. According to The Times, that is exactly what is happening in the case of Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace captain has emerged as Manchester City’s primary defensive target for next June, at a moment when it seemed Liverpool were in the strongest position to complete a deal first pursued during the previous transfer window.

As a reminder, Guehi was close to moving to Anfield last June in a deal worth around 35 million pounds, but the transfer collapsed at the very end of the window because Palace failed to secure an adequate replacement. Liverpool have since maintained their interest and were expected to renew their push, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the future of their central defensive options. However, Manchester City have now entered the picture decisively, with a clear plan to hijack the deal and refresh their defensive line for the long term. Guardiola has been tracking Guehi’s development for some time and sees him as a player who could fit into the next phase of City’s project, particularly in light of potential departures and expiring contracts within the current rotation.

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The situation gains further significance from the fact that Real Madrid have also recently turned their attention to Guehi, after abandoning their pursuit of the disappointing Ibrahima Konate — a name that had long featured in the “royal club’s” plans. In Madrid, the search is on for a centre-back who combines Premier League experience, leadership, and an age profile that guarantees long-term stability, and Guehi increasingly fits that description.

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For City, such a development represents an opportunity to strengthen their own ranks while simultaneously weakening the competition. The Etihad club faces genuine questions in defense: John Stones is entering the final year of his contract amid renewed injury concerns, Nathan Ake has 18 months left on his deal and is seeing reduced playing time, while Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are the only pillars Guardiola fully relies on. Despite the strong competition, Guehi would be given the chance at City to develop within a system that values positional discipline and comfort on the ball — qualities that have made him one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Premier League. The race, then, is open. But with Guardiola entering the fray, the rules change. Liverpool are no longer alone, Real Madrid no longer have the luxury of waiting, and Manchester City, led by Guardiola, once again show that when they decide the timing is right, they have no hesitation in snatching a target away from direct rivals.

EFL CUP - QUARTER-FINALS

Tuesday

Cardiff - Chelsea 1-3 (0-0)

/Turnbull 75 - Garnacho 57, 90+3 Neto 82/

Wednesday

22.30: (1.40) Man.City (5.00) Brentford (7.00)

23.15: (1.75) Newcastle (3.60) Fulham (4.90)

Tuesday (23.12)

23.00: (1.53) Arsenal (4.10) Crystal Palace (6.50)

***odds are subject to change***